The Final Countdown

Most of you know that in three days we will be on a plane traveling half way around the world to the Philippines. Our flight departs at 10:21am Thursday. Your prayers are appreciated as it will take almost 24 hours to arrive in Manila, then we will have an 8 hour bus ride to the Province, Maria Aurora. Please pray for patience and endurance. Even though the travel time seems overwhelming, Kara and Kelsie are nothing but excited. I have a few apprehensions, but seem to be getting less nervous and more excited the closer it gets. However, I think Joe wins the prize for the most excited. I've determined that me and the girls will be his entertainment the whole time as we experience for the first time all the things that he has become so familiar with. Right now my challenge is to pack 1 suitcase for me and the girls, and each of our backpacks to carry on. Our suitcase has to stay under 50lbs, so this is by far the lightest I've ever packed! Joe, on the other hand, has his full 2 weeks crammed into 1 backpack that he will carry on. I know Joe will be reminding me many times in the future about how I really don't need to pack 15 bags to take on a 4 day trip. It really is a huge accomplishment for me, I must admit. I'll try to update the blog as much as I can. Thanks again for all your prayers.